Featured Artist: Morelia

Taco Tuesday, anyone? Some of you have been wondering why I’ve been aloof lately post-campout and the truth is, I need space sometimes. I’m kind of a cat in that sense, sometimes I enjoy being in some sort of limelight and other times I want to be completely alone. More importantly, I’ve needed space to think and give myself all the time and energy I need in order to focus and continue to work on all my projects that I have envisioned.

But I’m back (sort of)! This week , I wanted to present to you a cool individual by the name of Tanner Munn. In the club and in the studio though , he goes by the name Morelia.

I had the pleasure of become acquainted with Tanner through two key individuals: Ocean Roulette & J Woogie. He’s definitely someone to keep an eye on for sure. Luckily for all of us, Morelia took some time out of his busy schedule to talk to me and answer some questions! Let’s jump right on in.

Tanner, thank you for taking the time to talk to me it is much appreciated. Let’s start off with one of my favorite things to ask artists. What purpose does music serve to you? In other words, why music?

It brings me home. I’ve been moving constantly since I was a child and the one thing that has stayed with me throughout has been my passion for music.

Where are you from? What were you doing prior to music?

I was born in Fort Worth, TX, but eventually lived in Marathon, FL; then back to Texas, to Denver, and now in Southern California, so that’s always a tough one to answer, haha. I have always been deep into music, but I also used to collect reptiles and invertebrates. I had everything from 15+ foot Reticulated Pythons & Monitor Lizards to Spiders and Scorpions. I still keep the inverts, but I definitely plan on getting back into the reptile hobby once I can do music full time.

How’d you decide on DJ/Mixing and/or Producing? Why?

I was a drummer around the age of 11-13 years old and when I moved to Florida, I had a lame circumstance that left me without my drumset. I had to find some way to jam, and a friend of mine at the time was using Fruity Loops. I started right then and haven’t stopped since! I decided I wanted to take the DJ route after going to Ultra 2010 and being mindblown by everything. I fell in love.

How long have you been DJ/Mixing and/or Producing?

Producing, coming up on 9 years. DJing, coming up on 7.

How’d you form your moniker?

It’s actually a Genus of Australian Python. I love the way these snakes act and look. My favorite group of animals to work with by far. Green Tree Pythons, Carpet Pythons, Boelen’s Pythons; all types of Morelia.

What has been your most memorable experience so far?

I would have to say Nocturnal Wonderland for sure!! Getting to play my music on such a massive stage and seeing people get down was so awesome. The Silent Disco set there is still my favorite set I’ve ever played.

Any clubs, venues, or festivals you have played that really stuck out to you?

Sound Nightclub with my Space Yacht family is always amazing. I love everything that that crew is about and I’m thrilled to be able to work with them.

One of the most difficult aspects about being in this scene?

I would say Artist’s putting themselves over one another is really frustrating. I’m just here to learn, grow, and help everyone achieve their goals in any way I can, and it’s saddening when an Artist you look up to and want to talk to gives you the cold shoulder. We all fam here; we’re in this together.

So, a few weeks ago GAWP mentioned a track of yours he had called “Vibrate”, can you tell me how you two got connected?

I added him on Facebook a year or so back just because I love his tunes and wanted to build a connection and get to know him. He’s such a cool dude!! I’m really glad I got to know him and become friends. Maybe a collab will happen? Maybe? heh

How’d you get involved with Psycho Disco?

I’ve been following Treasure Fingers for at least 4 years now, and when I lived in Denver, he had a Psycho Disco showcase at Vinyl with Landis Lapace(miss u bruh). Talked to him at the show and we found out we both had a track coming out on Perfect Driver within the coming months. I kept in touch throughout my journey to SoCal and when me and OceanRoulette finished Back Up, we sent it to TF and he was down to sign it!

Do you feel like nowadays you can’t experience the music the same as you did when you were just a listener?

Absolutely! Now every show I go to, I’m breaking down the songs in my head and taking notes on my phone. I’ve even written full songs just in my notes while in a crowd.

Favorite Artist or Favorite Track right now?

This is my time to appreciate all of my friends killing it. It feels awesome to say all of my favorite artists in the game are friends of mine. OceanRoulette, NiQW, Nick Siarom, n808, Sang Froyd, Boondok, Walker & Royce, and VNSSA are all smashing it.

Any other upcoming Artists and/or new Tracks we should know?

There’s this dude Kenny Oliver that’s about to kill the tech house game. Mark my words.

Any mixes/tracks of yours we should check out?

I just had a track drop on Audiophile XXL called “Misunderstood” that’s a super weird and nasty one. Also keep your eyes peeled for Vibrate!

Do you have any cool shows or projects in the future?

Nothing that I can talk about currently, but yes! Lot’s of good things in the works.

I noticed via your Instagram that you and VNSSA have been in the studio together lately! Do I sense a collab?

Ohhhhhhh yes. We have some belters on the way. I’m really excited to let these babies shine.